Rock star hopefuls Heat Wave performed a cover of Linkin Park’s hit In The End at this year’s Durham College School of Rock ‘n’ Roll Summer Camp concert at E.P. Taylor’s Pub and Restaurant at the college’s Oshawa campus.

The School of Rock ‘n’ Roll Summer Camp recently wrapped up with a rocking bang as excited campers performed their favourite songs for parents and family members at E.P. Taylor’s Pub and Restaurant, located at the college’s Oshawa campus.

Beginner musicians learn how to play guitar, bass, drums and keyboards while those who already have some musical experience work on improving their skills through practise and song writing. The camp also offers classes in rock history, band promotion, stage presence and theory. Most of the classes are created out of the college’s Music Business Management program curriculum.

“The counsellors make it fun. You don’t even realize you’re learning,” said Garrett Duncan, bassist, Heat Wave. “We get to learn all about the history of rock and watch YouTube videos of other bands performing. It really gave us some great ideas about what to do with our own performance.”

A concert is held at the end of each week for campers to show off their skills as part of a band. Each band creates their own name and plays famous classics and new hits. Bands with members of all ages covered songs by some of the greatest artists. Performances included Adele’s Rolling in the Deep; Green Day’s Brain Stew; Sum 41’s Screaming Bloody Murder; and The All American Reject’s Gives You Hell, to name a few.

“Young people should be excited about music. It’s a form of entertainment that so many people love. It makes them happy when they’re sad or reminds them of a specific time in their life,” said second-time camper Elyse Duncan. “The camp brings people together who share the same passion – music.”